The suspect, who shot and killed football star, Will Smith was arrested and is now facing charges of second-degree murder. The star player, who helped New Orleans Saints won championship in Superbowl XLIV died of gunshot wounds in what appeared to be a road rage incident on Saturday night.
According to the report of police superintendent Michael Harrison, investigators ruled out that the cause of the altercation is no other than the accident. Reports claimed that Smith and Cardell Hayes don't know each other or that the suspect targeted the Saints defensive player. Fox 5 reported that Hayes waited for the police to arrive until he was arrested for second-degree murder. Smith immediately died of gunshot wounds. Smith's wife, Raquel was also hurt in the incident and sustained non-life threatening injuries.
"On behalf of the Smith family, we are thankful for the outpouring of support and prayers. We ask that you continue to respect the family's privacy as they grieve the loss of a devoted husband, father and friend," the statement from the Smith's family reads.
According to ABC News, Smith, who was driving Mercedes 63, was rear-ended by Hayes, who was driving Humvee H2. Both Smith and Hayes exchanged heated words until the latter took his handgun and fired several shots to the football player. A firearm was recovered from the incident, while two acquaintances of Smith claimed that they had seen the shooting. Hayes was set on a bond of $1million. He also didn't enter a plea. An attorney for Hayes said that his client is not guilty as he only defended himself from Smith, who seemed to be going for a gun of his own.
Earlier on Saturday night before the shooting incident, Harrison said that Smith had dinner with a police officer, who was sued by Hayes before. Hayes' father was killed by a police way back in 2005. Investigators are still looking at the possibility if it has connection with the incident, Chicago Sun Times reports. Also the same night, Smith and his wife, spent some time at the French Quarter Festival, where they had dinner.
John Fuller, the defense attorney requested for lower bond and claimed that his client, Hayes didn't escape and waited for the police. Fuller also said that Hayes owns a towing business and is supporting is 5-year-old son. However, Magistrate Brigid Collins said that she "understood, but I've also got a gentleman who was shot in the back."
The Saints disclosed that Smith was voted as Saints Hall of Fame last month. Sadly, Smith won't be able to receive the news which will be announced next month.
